And Why We’re Supporting a 560km Charity Challenge

From 13th August to 22nd August, Lee, and Paul, will be taking on an incredible challenge walking 560 kilometres (340 miles) from Plymouth Argyle Football Club to Oldham Athletic A.F.C.

This isn’t just a test of physical endurance; it’s a challenge with a purpose.

Together, they’re raising vital funds for The Ricky Casey Trust, a charity dedicated to raising awareness, funding research and supporting families affected by Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) and other rare kidney cancers. RMC is an extremely rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer that most commonly affects adolescents and young adults. One of its most significant risk factors is sickle cell trait an inherited genetic condition carried by millions of people worldwide. While sickle cell trait is generally considered harmless and is different from sickle cell disease, it is strongly linked to the development of RMC. Because the condition is so rare and often diagnosed at an advanced stage, increasing awareness is essential, particularly among those who carry the sickle cell trait and healthcare professionals who may encounter its early symptoms.

The Trust was founded in memory of firefighter Ricky Casey and works tirelessly to improve awareness, support patients and families, and fund research into this devastating disease, helping to drive earlier diagnosis and better treatment options for future generations.

At Advanced Physio & Sports Injury, we’re incredibly proud to support Lee and Paul as they prepare for this extraordinary journey. As physiotherapists, we also know just how powerful walking can be not only during a challenge like this, but for everyday health and wellbeing.

Why Walking is So Good for Your Body

Walking is often overlooked because it’s simple.

However, from a physiotherapy perspective, it’s one of the most effective forms of exercise available. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing arthritis, improving your fitness or simply trying to become more active, regular walking offers enormous physical and mental health benefits.

Improves Joint Health

Movement helps keep joints healthy.

Every step helps circulate synovial fluid the natural lubricant inside your joints which nourishes cartilage and reduces stiffness. This is particularly beneficial for people living with osteoarthritis in the knees, hips or ankles.

Contrary to popular belief, the right amount of walking usually helps arthritic joints rather than wearing them out.

Strengthens Muscles Naturally

Walking works far more muscles than many people realise.

It strengthens:

• Glute muscles
• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Calf muscles
• Core muscles
• Hip stabilisers

Stronger muscles provide better support for your joints, reducing strain on the knees, hips and lower back.

Reduces Back Pain

One of the first recommendations we give many patients with lower back pain is simple:

Keep moving.

Walking encourages gentle spinal movement, activates the core muscles and improves circulation to the surrounding tissues.

For many people, regular walking can significantly reduce stiffness and help manage persistent back pain.

Improves Balance and Mobility

As we age, maintaining good balance becomes increasingly important.

Walking regularly helps improve:

• Coordination
• Proprioception (your body’s awareness of movement)
• Lower limb strength
• Walking confidence

These improvements can reduce the risk of falls and help maintain independence later in life.

Walking as Rehabilitation

Physiotherapists frequently prescribe walking as part of rehabilitation because it’s:

• Low impact
• Accessible
• Functional
• Easy to progress
• Suitable for almost every age group

Whether recovering from surgery, managing a sports injury or rebuilding strength after illness, walking often forms the foundation of a rehabilitation programme.

The key is progressing safely.

Distance, pace, terrain and rest periods all matter, particularly if you’re recovering from injury.

Walking 560 Kilometres is a Different Challenge Altogether

Most people aim for around 8,000–10,000 steps a day.

Lee and Paul will be walking the equivalent of well over half a million steps across ten days.

That means:

• Continuous loading through the feet, ankles and knees
• Significant muscle fatigue
• High energy demands
• Recovery becoming just as important as the walking itself

Preparation isn’t just about fitness.

It’s about:

• Strength training
• Mobility work
• Recovery
• Nutrition
• Hydration
• Foot care
• Managing fatigue

As physiotherapists, we know that successful endurance challenges are won through preparation just as much as determination.

More Than Just Miles

While this challenge is physically demanding, the real purpose lies beyond the distance.

Every mile walked helps raise awareness of Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC) a rare and aggressive kidney cancer that remains significantly under-researched.

The Ricky Casey Trust was created to change that by funding research, improving awareness among healthcare professionals and supporting patients and their families.

Every donation helps move that mission forward.

Follow Lee’s Journey Live

Throughout the challenge, Lee will be sharing his live location beacon on social media, (Social Link) allowing everyone to follow his progress from Plymouth to Oldham in real time.

We’d love for our patients, friends and local community to get behind both Lee and Paul throughout the challenge.

Your encouragement, messages and donations will help keep them moving during what promises to be an unforgettable ten days.

How You Can Help

You can support this incredible challenge by:

• Donating to the fundraising page: Fundraising Link
• Following Lee’s daily progress via his live beacon on his social media channels.
• Sharing the challenge with friends and family.
• Helping raise awareness of The Ricky Casey Trust and the important work it does.

You can also learn more about the charity by visiting The Ricky Casey Trust.

Thinking About Becoming More Active?

You don’t need to walk 560 kilometres to experience the benefits of walking.

Starting with just 20–30 minutes a day can improve your health, reduce pain and increase your overall wellbeing.

If pain, stiffness or an injury is stopping you from walking comfortably, our experienced physiotherapists can help identify the cause and create a personalised treatment plan to get you moving again.

Whether you’re training for your first charity walk, preparing for a marathon or simply looking to walk without pain, we’re here to help every step of the way.

We wish Lee and Paul the very best of luck on this incredible challenge and look forward to cheering them all the way to Oldham.